Matusz bunts ball off face during batting practice

Dan Connolly

Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz, who is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit himself in the face with a bunted ball while participating in pitchers’ hitting practice Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming interleague series in National League parks.

X-rays were negative and he's been diagnosed with a nose contusion. It appears he'll be able to make his start Wednesday.

“I just looked at it. He’s got swelling there,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said before the game. “A lot of it, from what [athletic trainer Richie Bancells] says, depends on how much of [the swelling] goes to his eyes. It’s a little early to say. He’s bleeding pretty good out of his nose and he’s got some cotton up there and it is obviously swollen.”

Showalter said Matusz may not be able to pitch Wednesday if he can't breathe properly on the mound.

“I tell you, listening to Richie, it is probably more a matter of a comfort level with breathing,” Showalter said.

Showalter didn’t reveal specifics on who would take Matusz’s turn if he is unable to make it. But he said, “We have options. You look at the date of who it falls on, who is available.”

Jake Arrieta, who was moved to the bullpen after his rough start on Friday, has not pitched since and would be on regular rest for Wednesday’s start.